Using affective judgement to increase physical activity in British adults

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Digital Health
• Psychology

Background:

• Mobile phone apps can increase physical activity (PA).
• Existing apps often neglect the emotional factors influencing PA engagement.
• Emotional aspects are critical determinants of sustained physical activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the acceptability of a novel app designed to target emotional aspects of PA.
• To conduct a preliminary evaluation of the app's efficacy in increasing PA and related psychological factors.
• To gather user feedback for app refinement.

Main Methods:

• App developed collaboratively with users via focus groups.
• Seven users tested the app for 4 months.
• Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires assessed PA and psychological antecedents; acceptability feedback gathered in a focus group.

Main Results:

• The app was acceptable to users, with social and reminder features aiding motivation.
• Preliminary findings showed small increases in weekly walking time (+25 min/week).
• Improvements observed in social support for PA, self-efficacy, and outcome expectations, with some reductions in other domains.

Conclusions:

• The developed app is acceptable to users and shows preliminary efficacy.
• User feedback indicates areas for required development.
• Further large-scale evaluation is warranted based on these initial findings.